Northeast Fall 2023 Trec

Thanks to St. John (John Gagliardi) for getting out early to get bagels and coffee.  The balance of the morning we all helped setup for the big thank you party for 200 plus.  Mid morning Jeff and Janie headed downtown to Dolce Italian Cafe to meet with Jennifer Clemow.  We had a short visit but it was so great to catch up with her and hear about CC a freshman in HS and Tyler entering middle school. From New Canaan we headed north with a stop in Waterbury for a Mexican lunch and yes they had great margaritas.  Then the trek to Tolland, MA (Tunix Club lake) to visit our Uncle Brian and Aunt Susan. Sunday Brian treated us to omelets.  A rainy day, so hanging inside by the fire discussing family reunion options and memories.  Below is the welcome Bear to the Clemow cabin. That afternoon left for LaGuardia Hampton Inn to spend the night for 9:45 am flight back to KC.  Janie had to stop for Diary Queen again.  Traffic with rain made it a 3 hour drive and a

Last day of touring with a drive up to Stowe, VT to see the ski resort.  Then the longest drive down to New Canaan, CT. Before heading south we found a really nice brewery for lunch.  The weather was fantastic so we enjoyed sitting outside as fall leafs fell. The biggest observation driving in VT was the lack of truck traffic and light overall number of cars.  As soon as crossed into MA we saw the change with rush hour as we approached Hartford crawl to a stop.  The drive extended over 30 mins with the crawl. Upon arrival at Heather and Johns in New Canaan we enjoyed pizza.  The ladies helped with party prep for the big thank you celebration  planned the next day in honor of Alexandra who beat cancer and will be 7  years old on November 1!!!!  One of Janie's highlight was when Alexandra asked  her to put her to  bed so she would be ready for  her big celebration!

Our entrance to the VRBO had this step.  A headstone that we assume had an error being a cemetery next door. This morning we departed Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.  Continuing to spend our kids inheritance, except some we hold for grandkids. Sadly way to close the shooting in Lewiston, ME.  We drove through on I95.  Thank you everyone who checked in on us. Conway, NH was our destination to start our trek on the Kancamagus Hwy.  35 miles of the White Mountain National Forest. We stopped at the welcome center for information and then to North Conway for lunch at Barley and Salt. We stopped at the Bolder Trailhead just past a Covered Bridge crossing.  Sheila voted for the 3 mile loop hike.  It was steep in places, but worth it to get these pics. The yellow marks for the trail was a key motivator for the ladies as the trail formed and they also liked to see yel

After yesterday driving around we selected our activities for today.  Along the north shore is a 4.5 mile hike with lots of viewing points from the road.  Coffee and oatmeal ala Kent and we were ready for the day. Janie wanted a muffin, but the General Store was closed for the season.  We opted to go to the grocery store (Hannaford) and get supplies including muffins. We opted to drive and hike around stops before lunch along Ocean Path.  This a trail along the coast next to the road.  Lots of great stops and stunning scenic views.  A couple of scenic stops and then Sand Beach was the start of the route. Next we stopped at Thunder Hole where a cave has been carved in the rock.  As the tide comes up it captures air that sprays water back out with a thud.  We did not see the max spray, but easy to imagine. No high tide for us, but the below pic shows it. A few more stops along the way including Otter Cliff and Little Hunter beach.

After a good night sleep for all we did the slow roll of getting up.  Kent made some oatmeal and with a few cups of coffee all ready to head out!  The VRBO is an extension of the owners home which is so typical for this area. 2 bedroom one bath with big kitchen doing the trick for the trip.  Right next to cemetery as well.  Sunny day today to start off.  Highs in the 50's. This morning was about orientation of Mt Desert Island where Arcadia is located.  Driving tour with goal to get lunch and then some hikes. We headed south through Bar Harbor and entered the park at Stanley Brook road entrance.  Beautiful drive up to the trailhead of 3.2 mile hike around Jordan Pond. After the hike we headed down to Northeast Harbor for lunch.  Almost everything was shutdown except The Nor'easter Pound & Market.  Kent and Janie chose steak and pota